Taste Tidbits

Stop by Hopdoddy Burger Bar for the Maple Bacon Waffle Cone Shake Special, available now until Nov. 22.

On Nov. 14, Salut Kitchen Bar is giving back all day long with 20 percent of select food and drink donated to JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Proceeds will be donated from combined sales of all desserts and bottles of wine as well as a special, charity cocktail mixed up exclusively for this event. The fundraiser will take place from open to close (9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.), with donation jars set up throughout the restaurant all month long.

Province Urban Kitchen and Bar at Westin Phoenix Downtown will partner with ZD Wines, an award-winning winery located in Napa Valley, to host an inaugural wine dinner on Nov. 13. The exclusive wine pairing dinner will feature four delectable courses conceived and prepared by Chef Martin Scott. A reception will kick off the event at 5:30 p.m. with passed appetizers, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. $65 plus tax and gratuity. To make reservations, call 602.429.3500.

T. Cook’s new Sunday Market Brunch by Executive Chef Todd Allison promises to be at the top of the best brunch spots in the Valley. Think paella, from the griddle pancakes crepes and waffles, whole-roasted carved meats from the fireplace, chilled shellfish, charcuterie boards and “From the Bakeshop” selections such as house-made bread, pastries, donuts, cinnamon rolls, cakes, cookies and mini desserts. House-pressed juices and brunch cocktails round out the offering.

The Great American Foodie Fest comes to Tempe from Friday, Nov. 13 through Sunday, Nov. 15 at Diablo Stadium from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. The Great American Foodie Fest will showcase over 50 of some of the nation’s top food trucks and food vendors that have been featured on the Food Network, Cooking Channel and the Travel Channel, featuring World Famous White Castle serving up their freshly grilled, not frozen sliders. The event will also feature carnival rides, midway games, live entertainment, a beer garden, epic eating contests, vendor booths and other great attractions for the whole family. Presale tickets are available at www.greatamericanfoodiefest.com, and are priced at $12 for a three-day pass (unlimited re-entry). On the day of the event admission to Great American Foodie Fest will be priced at $15 per person for a three-day pass (unlimited re-entry) throughout the event. Active military personnel and veterans, seniors 59 and older and City of Tempe first responders will receive a discount of $2 off each ticket purchased at the gate with a valid ID. Individual food and drink items are priced per purchase. Parking will be available at no cost.

Introducing Sauce Pizza and Wine’s newest November menu item from the #SauceBYOP contest: the Penny’s Lasagna Pie. Through Nov. 25, you can enjoy this customer-created delicacy with red sauce, mozzarella, fontina, parmesan cheese, house-made meatballs, crimini mushrooms, sautéed spinach, fresh garlic and ricotta cheese. $1 from every Penny’s Lasagna Pie sold will be donated to the Sojourner Center.

Five Chefs with a Cause is set to take place on November 16, 2015 at JC’s Steakhouse. The series will feature five east valley chefs coming together to prepare a six-course culinary trip around the world, all while benefiting a local breast cancer awareness charity. The team of talented chefs plan to continue to offer these collaboration dinners every four to six months, rotating restaurant locations and benefiting a charity of the host chef’s choice each time. The lineup of chefs includes: Dennis Petty of JC’s Steakhouse, Romeo Taus of Romeo’s Euro Café, Anthony Serrano of El Palacio Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, John Wong of Asia and Sal Zappone of Zappone’s Italian Bistro. Tickets to the dinner are available by calling or stopping by JC’s Steakhouse. For calls: 480-306-4545. JC’s Steakhouse is located at 25 East Ray Road in Gilbert. Tickets are $100 per person and seating will be limited. A reception will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m.

Fired Pie is making its mark in the East Valley with the opening of a new location–in Tempe. On Tuesday, Nov. 17 the fast casual pizza concept will celebrate the grand opening of their eleventh location by offering one free pizza or salad. This deal is only available at their newest location on Nov. 17. Limit one per person and no call-in orders. The Tempe Fired Pie is located at 414 W. University, on the northwest corner of University and Farmers Avenue.

Roka Akor Scottsdale announces a vintner dinner on Thursday, November 19, with Founder and President David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyard, one of the oldest wineries in Oregon. In collaboration with Executive Chef Jason Alford, the event, beginning at 7 p.m., will educate guests about the Willamette Valley winery’s current releases and pair four courses of specially prepared seasonal dishes to complement each vintage. Tickets are $85 per person plus tax and gratuity, and can be purchased by calling the restaurant at 480.306.8800.

On Thursday, Nov. 18, the Boulders’ Organic Garden will be hosting a specialty dinner event complete with a reception and a four-course meal paired with whiskey by Jim Beam. $99.00 per person, not including tax and gratuity. For reservations, contact Concierge at 480.488.7317 or extension 1117.

The Slider Throwdown (pictured), held at Kierland Commons on Sunday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is set to pit local food trucks against one another to battle for the title of Best Slider. Well-known food trucks including Jamburritos, Phil the Grill, Aioli Burger, Buzz N Bee, Island Loco, Comfort Cravings and more will be serving up their most creative and scrumptious sliders for attendees to sample. The sliders will be judged by local “slider experts” as well as by the attendees via their People’s Choice votes. $25 includes admission into the event and one slider from each participating food truck. Slider lovers of all ages are welcome, and a beer garden with cash bar as well as non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF).

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